Retro Rest: Turn Thrifted Suitcases Into Stylish Pet Beds
Create elevated pet beds with built-in storage and vintage charm
Generic pet beds from stores cost $40-80 for boring designs that look exactly like what they are—pet furniture that clashes with your décor and offers nothing but a place for your furry friend to sleep. Vintage hard-shell suitcases, abundant at thrift stores for $5-10, transform into quirky elevated pet beds that double as conversation-starting décor while giving pets the cozy nest feeling they instinctively seek. The suitcase's raised sides create security that cats and small dogs love, while added furniture legs elevate it off cold floors and give the whole piece mid-century modern style that actually enhances your space. This isn't just functional pet furniture—it's a design statement that happens to provide your pet with a comfortable spot that's uniquely theirs. The built-in depth keeps cushions perfectly in place without constant readjusting, exterior pockets offer convenient storage for toys and treats, and the vintage patina tells a story that mass-produced pet beds simply cannot. For $15-20 total including legs and cushion materials, you create something substantially more interesting than anything available at pet stores while giving second life to vintage luggage that would otherwise sit unused in thrift store back rooms forever.
What You'll Need
- Suitcase Foundation ($5-10):
- Vintage hard-shell suitcase from thrift store
- Size should accommodate your pet curled up comfortably
- Look for sturdy construction without broken clasps
- Colorful vintage patterns add character
- Elevation Hardware ($8-12):
- Four furniture legs (4-6 inches tall)
- Tapered mid-century style or chunky wooden feet
- Wood screws and large washers for secure attachment
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Cushion Materials ($5-8):
- Foam padding or repurposed pillow cut to fit
- Washable fabric for cover (fleece, canvas, or cotton)
- Old towels or blankets for additional padding
- Velcro strips to secure cushion (optional)
- Optional Enhancements:
- Paint or spray paint for refreshing exterior
- Small baskets for side storage
- Decorative fabric for interior lining
- Pet-safe wood stain or sealant
Create the Bed
- Select a suitcase large enough for your pet to curl up comfortably with a few inches of clearance—too small creates cramped quarters they'll reject, while appropriately sized becomes a cozy den they seek out.
- Decide whether to remove the lid completely for an open bed or keep it attached as a decorative backdrop—attached lids work beautifully for corner placement where they create a sheltered feeling pets love.
- Clean the suitcase interior thoroughly with pet-safe cleaner, removing musty smells and decades of accumulated dust that could bother sensitive noses or trigger allergies in both pets and humans.
- Mark leg placement at each corner of the suitcase bottom, positioning them slightly inward from edges for stability—legs mounted too close to corners can crack vintage materials under weight.
- Drill pilot holes at marked spots, then attach furniture legs using wood screws with large washers on the interior to distribute weight and prevent screws from pulling through older materials over time.
- Create a fitted cushion by measuring the suitcase interior and cutting foam to size, then covering with washable fabric that complements your décor while being durable enough for daily pet use and frequent washing.
- Layer soft blankets or towels beneath the cushion for extra padding and comfort, taking advantage of the suitcase's depth to create a plush nest that keeps pets off the hard bottom surface.
- Paint or refresh the exterior if desired, though many vintage suitcases look better with their original patina and travel stickers intact—authentic wear tells stories that fresh paint cannot replicate.
Interior designers love suitcase pet beds because they add quirky personality while solving the common challenge of making pet furniture blend with home aesthetics rather than screaming "dog bed." Position the bed in a corner with the lid open as a backdrop, which creates a cozy alcove feeling while displaying the suitcase's vintage interior lining. For cats who prefer completely enclosed spaces, keep the lid mostly closed with just enough opening for entry—the cave-like environment satisfies their den instincts. Use the exterior pockets or attach small woven baskets to the side for storing leashes, toys, and treats, turning the bed into a complete pet station rather than just a sleeping spot. If your pet is a chewer, line interior edges with pet-safe wood trim or heavy fabric to protect vintage materials from destruction. Consider making matching beds from a vintage luggage set if you have multiple pets—the coordinated look creates intentional design while giving each pet their own special space. The key to making these beds feel polished rather than DIY is choosing legs that match your existing furniture style and ensuring the cushion looks tailored rather than thrown-in as an afterthought.